Frank Turner has explained why next year’s edition of his festival Lost Evenings, which he announced earlier today, will be the last, adding that he is planning on taking a break from performing afterwards.
Lost Evenings is returning next year from November 4-7 and will take place for the final time at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, having just wrapped up its latest edition in Dallas, Texas.
Though Frank’s made quite a name for himself as a road dog in the last two decades, he’s explained in a new statement that his priorities have shifted and beyond that, he has no idea when he will perform again past the final Lost Evenings.
“My dear friends. As a skinny half-arsed English country singer once said, the only thing certain is that everything changes,” he writes.
“After 28 years on the road, 10 albums and well over 3,000 shows, it’s time for a change. As announced yesterday, next year’s Lost Evenings will take place in London at OVO Arena Wembley. It will be the biggest, best and final edition of the festival. The 4 shows there will be my last for the foreseeable future.
“There are many reasons for this. I’ve been on the road most of my life, put in a shift and I want to try new things. I want to recharge, spend more time with my friends and family and explore other ways of life. I’m excited to pursue other ideas and projects. It’s also worth saying that the economics of touring have gotten harder, the music industry has been swallowed by social media in a way that doesn’t really interest me and as I get older my physical and mental health could do with some care. Truly, though, I’m excited for the future.
“I also want to leave the stage with my head high. These final shows will be a pinnacle, and chance for all of us to celebrate the last 20 years and bid them the farewell they deserve.
“I’m filled with gratitude – to The Sleeping Souls, the best band in rock ‘n’ roll. To Charlie and Xtra Mile, my label since day one. To my touring crew. To everyone who worked on my music with me over the years.
“But mostly I’m grateful to you; the people who made it possible, by giving me your time and attention. There are many friends I’ve made, many faces I know, but truly, to every single person who ever cared – thank you.
Frank concludes: “I genuinely don’t know when I’ll play shows again in the future. Certainly not for a good while. So let’s make these final ones count. With joy, humility and thankfulness in my heart, I’m looking forward to seeing you all at Wembley in November 2027 for some last evenings.”